WEDCUFFED (18+)

Wedcuffed

It was barely dawn when Jin stirred, yet it felt like he hadn't slept at all. The room-his room-breathed in quiet shadows and soft morning light, spilling in through the lace curtains like a whisper that dared not wake him too soon.

For a while, he didn't move. He just lay there, cocooned in the blanket his mother had sewn six winters ago-the stitches uneven, the edges slightly frayed, but still warmer than anything silk could ever offer. His eyes drifted to the ceiling, then to the shelf where his childhood books leaned in exhaustion, dog-eared and loyal. A cracked snow globe sat near the window. Inside it, plastic glitter swirled over a tiny cabin as if it too, had no escape.

He rose slowly, letting his fingers graze everything familiar-the edge of his nightstand where he used to scrawl song lyrics, the framed family photo where his smile was still real, the wall corner where he once stuck glow-in-the-dark stars that never really glowed. Every object had a heartbeat. Every corner held a version of him that would never walk into that gold prison awaiting him.

In front of his closet, he opened the drawer that held old letters and festival tickets. One scrap of paper fluttered to the floor-a note from high school that read, "Don't be scared. You're meant for more." He wanted to laugh. Or cry. Or both. What was he meant for now? A life where even laughter would need permission?

When he finally walked out of the room, now fully clothed with his suitcase, it was like stepping out of himself. Out of safety. Out of love.

Downstairs, the kitchen was already alive with the clatter of pots and the scent of comfort-soybean paste stew, ginger tea, the distant tang of sesame oil. His mother turned at the sound of his footsteps. She didn't say anything right away, just wiped her hands on her apron and looked at him like she might never again.

"You look pale," she said softly, brushing his bangs aside. "But still my beautiful boy."

Jin tried to smile. "Can I skip the wedding and just stay home?"

She pulled him into a hug so tight, he nearly crumbled. "If only I could freeze time."

His father sat at the table, folding napkins with more focus than necessary, the garment bag draped carefully over a chair beside him. "Don't start crying before breakfast or else Yoongi's hardwork will go in vain." he said trying to lift Jin's mood.

"I dare not, Dad." Jin murmured, sinking into his seat, supporting his Dad's acting.

Yoongi brought over a tray and set it down with a thump, saying strictly, "Eat. Even if the world ends today, you don't starve on my watch. Okay?"

Jin nodded as he picked up the spoon and tried. Every bite felt like it would crack his jaw. Every swallow scratched his throat but he ate, afterall he couldn't afford this home-made meal, especially cooked by his hyung anywhere else in the world.

"Chew slower," Yoongi said, pushing over a glass of water. "Are you trying to choke on my food purposely?"

A shaky laugh escaped Jin's lips.

"You always say the worst things in the best moments," he whispered, eyes glossy.

"Don't you dare fill yourself with negativity. As long as the result is uncertain, there's still hope." Yoongi replied, ruffling his hair. "I will be doing my best, you just need to be on alert. Any small info, little details or strange thing, just reach out to me. Okay?"

His mother sat beside him, spoon-feeding him a bite like she did when he was a boy too sick to move. "We'll be with you today in person" she murmured. "Until the end of the rites and even when it's over, we will be together with you. Don't you feel alone, my child."